Joseph P. White, at 81
Joseph Paul White, of La Quinta, California, died July 1. He was 81.
Born at home in Pottsville, Pennsylvania to Paul and Catherine [Newton] White, Mr. White grew into a standout athlete who played football for Pottsville High School. After graduation, he studied for a year at Massanutten Military Academy. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1958, where he had pledged St. Anthony’s Hall (Delta Phi) and was a member of the “V” Club and Eli Banana. He played three years of varsity football and was named an all-conference tackle.
Following college, he served as a lieutenant in the Army. Mr. White requested a posting overseas, but instead was assigned to the Nike missile air-defense base on Hog Island – now called Spinnaker Island – in Hull.
A chance encounter at a coffee shop led to a 55-year marriage to the love of his life, Maureen Bergan White. He was quickly adopted as a son by his in-laws, Dr. William M. “Doc” Bergan and his wife, Marion.
Mr. White is survived by his wife, Maureen, and his adoring daughters, Elizabeth Barron White and Catherine Ann White. He was predeceased by an older sister, Joan Marie White Dewald.
He worked for 46 years in the insurance and financial planning field for ManuLife, Lincoln Financial, and John Hancock. Stints in California, Richmond, Washington, D.C., and 27 years in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania created a lifetime of memories, friendships, and wonderful stories.
Mr. White loved his time at Massunutten and at University of Virginia and kept in contact with many of his St. Anthony brothers. He especially loved his years playing tennis. His family was often regaled with the heroic play that seemed to happen on Men’s Night, where it was “four at the net and the ball never hit the ground.”
Mr. White will be laid to rest in St. Paul’s Parish in Hingham.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400331, Charlottesville, VA 22904.